IT MAY SEEM ODD to publish an article about storing your Porsche in May when everyone should be doing the exact and complete opposite, however, considering the current coronavirus pandemic, sitting idle is all that many sports cars are doing.
If nothing else, many are driving their Porsches far less due to “stay at home” orders.
The following top 10 comes courtesy of PCA National, to ensure your prized Porsche is safely stored and, when next driven, runs optimally.
1. Don’t shut off your car without bringing it up to temperature first — When you drive any car, bringing the engine up to normal operating temperature each time is a healthy practice because it burns off any moisture that forms in the oil. Right now, you’re probably driving your Porsche less, if at all, and not straying too far from home if you do. This means the car might not reach operating temp when you drive it. The next time you take your Porsche out, drive it for at least 15 minutes before parking it.
(To the above, Provinz adds to also turn on the air conditioning system, it should be operated regularly regardless of the season to ensure adequate lubrication of its parts, so that it does not seize up and so that proper circulation is maintained. This could save a pricey repair later. As well, it is a good idea to vary the fan speed, from very high to low, while directing air to all vents (windshield, dashboard, footwell) to blow out any dust. Doing these steps also prevents bacteria and mold. —Ed.)
2. Change the engine oil and filter — Engine oil degrades as you put miles on your car, but it also will degrade if your car sits for extended periods. When engine oil sits, it will attract moisture and won’t be able to properly lubricate the engine. A common rule of thumb is to change oil every six months if the interval mileage isn’t reached.
3. Keep it covered or be sure to regularly clean the exterior of your car if it sits outside — Even though we’re not driving as much, parked cars can still be damaged by mother nature. To help protect your paint from sun damage, adventurous cats, bird droppings, or even a dusty garage, put a car cover on it. If you can’t do that, then be sure to clean off droppings, sap, or other paint-damaging substances.
4. Keep a full tank of gas, add a gas stabilizer if you do not plan to drive the vehicle for several months — Fuel goes bad, so if you don’t plan to drive your Porsche or burn through a tank in the near future, be sure to take the proper precautions. A fuel stabilizer prevents the more volatile elements of gasoline from evaporating and, subsequently, the fuel becomes less combustible. Top your tank off and add in fuel stabilizer to make sure your car will start right up the next time you drive it.
5. Attach a battery maintainer to keep your battery fresh — Even when your car is turned off, there are still systems that remain on when it’s parked, such as the alarm system, clock and other items. Over time, the slight draw of power will empty the battery and leave you stuck until it’s charged or replaced. Avoid that situation and purchase a battery maintainer to keep your battery fresh.
6. If you live in a high-humidity area, place a moisture absorber or dehumidifier bag in the interior of your car — Along with making your interior an overall more pleasant place to be, it also helps to keep windows de-fogged and de-frosted.
7. Don’t use the parking brake (if car is on level surface). But be sure the wheels are chocked and car is in gear — A parking brake is a wear item, and with use over time, the brake cable will stretch out and possibly break, or the brake shoe within the drum can freeze if left engaged for a long period of time. If it’s not needed, just keep your Porsche in gear or in Park to keep it from rolling, and use wheel chocks just to be safe.
8. Store car with tires off the ground to avoid flat spots — Nothing’s worse than pulling out of your garage and hearing a repetitive thump that correlates with vehicle speed. When a car is stored and sits on its tires, they develop flat spots, which usually go away after driving for awhile. Avoid flat spots altogether by storing the car on four jack stands and all four tires off the ground.
9. Place fabric dryer sheets in the interior and luggage compartments to keep critters away — Rodents don’t like the smell, and it’ll keep your interior smelling fresh. Place them under the seats, on your floormats, in your trunk and under the dash area.
10. Drive your car and brake a few times to remove rust from brake rotors — Have you noticed how brake rotors always get a thin coating of rust when they’ve sat for awhile? That’s normal for iron brake rotors (though not for carbon-ceramic and Porsche Surface Coated Brakes), and all it takes is a short drive and engaging the brakes a few times to clear them off. </>
Photos by Stefan Walther
